Jodi Peary

Description of Practice

I am a psychologist and former divorce lawyer. I am dedicated to helping individuals, children, and families through the legal and emotional processes of divorce as a divorce mediator and parent coordinator. I care about my clients and their families and know from both professional and personal experience how painful divorce is and the devastation it can render. The mission of my practice is to improve lives by minimizing the damage suffered by divorce so that all can emerge from divorce happy and whole. Families do not have to break apart when marital bonds are severed, nor do individuals have to give up their hopes, dreams, and goals for a bright future.

Professional Background

I work at the intersection of law and psychology. I started as a family lawyer but realized that even the friendliest divorce cases result in a significant amount of heartache, child adjustment issues, and financial damage. In order to make social change, I needed to make a personal change. I became involved in collaborative law practices as a mediator. I loved my work but felt there was more I could do. My interest in psychology could not be shaken off. I earned my PhD in psychology with extensive study of families. I found that by integrating the structures of family law and family psychology, and by applying the tenets of human development with a compassionate and caring heart, I can do the most good.

Experience

I have been a mediator and parenting coordinator since 1992. In 2015, I limited my practice to only providing mediation, parenting coordination, and divorce coaching services. For 15 years, I have been helping individuals and couples emerge from divorce happy & whole.

Degrees

J.D. Penn State University The Dickinson School of Law
Ph.D. Psychology Capella University

Approach

I use a dignity and facilitative model. In addition to facilitating finding solutions, I also make sure the process keeps every party's dignity intact. I meet with a couple together and separately and encourage both parties to see the benefits of negotiating for their collective well-being. Mediation is more than a forum in which a “win-win result” is possible. It is a forum where relationships can be transformed. I help divorcing couples develop a new way of communicating with each other to support post-divorce communications.
I empower my clients to reach their own mutually acceptable settlement of the issues in dispute. In my role as the mediator, I structure and facilitate the process by which the parties make their own decisions and determine their own outcomes. Every divorce and every family is different and needs personalized services. I provide a personalized approach to settlement of all issues by helping my clients move through the legal and emotional processes of divorce.

Fees

My clients pay a $2000.00 retainer against which I bill $200 an hour. Any unused retainer is promptly returned.

Other Information

When mediation is not an option, I work with clients individually as a divorce coach and provide education and support as they work through the legal and emotional processes of divorce.